Observational studyJournal of nutritional science2025
A convenience sample based market survey of the food additive monosodium glutamate (MSG) in processed foods in Malaysia.
Observational study in Journal of nutritional science, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Strengthening salt reduction policy for Malaysia through proposed maximum salt targets of selected processed food groups.Scientific reports · 2025Article
- Salt reduction policy for out of home sectors: a supplementary document for the salt reduction strategy to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDS) in Malaysia 2021-2025.Health research policy and systems · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Although studies had suggested that monosodium glutamate (MSG) may serve as a salt substitute in processed foods, its market impact remains unclear. This study was aimed to: (1) identify MSG in ingredient lists, (2) compare sodium levels in products with and without MSG, (3) examine the association between MSG and other umami enhancers, and (4) assess manufacturers' adherence to the Food Regulation 1985 for MSG declaration. An observational cross-sectional market survey was conducted during the Movement Control Order (June to September 2021) on 1076 processed foods from selected Malaysian hypermarkets, that were located within 10 km of the researcher's residence to ensure accessibility amid the COVID-19 pandemic movement restrictions. Additionally, online platforms were used to supplement any missing data. Nutritional and ingredient information were collected from packaging, and foods were classified by using the FAO/WHO Food Standards CODEX Alimentarius. Over half (50.8%) of the surveyed products contained MSG. Results found that MSG-containing products had a significantly higher sodium levels (2812.2 ± 5191.4 mg/100 g) than those without (1372.2 ± 1541.4 mg/100 g) (
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